Spearman correlations were computed between item response theory-derived information functions (IIFs) and four conventional item discrimination indices: phi-coefficient; B-index; phi/phi max; and agreement statistic. Correlations between the phi-coefficient and the IIFs were very high. Data were taken from a real estate licensing test. (Author/GDC)

Standardized methodology was used to help identify item characteristics explaining differential item functioning among Hispanics on Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), in two studies with 284,359 and 292,725 Whites, Mexican-Americans, and Puerto Ricans. Results indicate true cognates, or words with a common root in English and Spanish; and content of…

The current study explores the item structure of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). A factor analysis of responses of a large sample yielded six salient factors, four resembling the four scales of the MBTI. (Author/LMO)

The authors discuss changes that will appear in the 1988 edition of the General Educational Development (GED) test. Changes include (1) a focus on comprehensive, integrated skills; (2) a need for highly developed thinking skills; (3) use of a computer technology theme; (4) writing assessments; and (5) changes in content areas. (CH)

The analytical decomposition demonstrates how the effects of item characteristics, test properties, individual examinee responses, and rounding rules combine to produce the item deletion effect on the equating/scaling function and candidate scores. The empirical portion of the report illustrates the effects of item deletion on reported score…

Drawing on recently developed methodology for structural equation modeling with categorical data, this article proposes a new approach for investigating the behavior of dichotomously scored test items in relation to other relevant (observed) variables. A linear structural model relates the latent ability variable to a set of observed scores.…

Looks at some of the methods of testing foreign language learning which are closely related to, yet pre-date, Wilson Taylor's cloze procedure. These include the Ebbinghaus Completion Method, which was first reported in 1897 and was used to test mental ability. Describes later modifications of the Ebbinghaus Method. (SED)

Response data from 3,000 subjects to the SRA Attitude Survey were analyzed using the one-parameter and two-parameter logistic latent trait models. The effects of varying sample size on the accuracy of person and item parameters were investigated. (Author/BS)

Explains how tables of specifications (used in estabishing content validity) and item analysis (a modificatin of item difficulty) can readily be used by the classroom teacher to design well-balanced tests. (HOD)

A mathematics item on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) was found to be faulty and received wide publicity. A detailed investigation into its mathematical and psychometric properties is presented. It was found that the problem could be considered ambiguous but that almost no one noticed the ambiguity. (Author/JKS)

The concept of subject-matter directed motivation, measured by means of questionnaires, proves useful for evaluation, though it covers and emphasizes only one aspect of those modes of behavior which are regarded as motivated. (Author/DEP)

Spirituality and aging are two emerging areas of importance for the field of counseling. Research in the broad area of spirituality is limited. The research in spirituality and aging is even more limited. While the amount of research is growing, there are still few instruments that explicitly measure human spirituality. The purpose of this study…

Proper maintenance of a scale established in the baseline year would assure the accurate estimation of growth in subsequent years. Scale maintenance is especially important when the state performance standards must be preserved for future administrations. To ensure proper maintenance of a scale, the selection of anchor items and evaluation of…

Purpose of this investigation is to develop a method of measuring tactile sensation regarding the texture, size, and shape of objects (stereognosis) in the hand of normal two- to four-year-old children. (Author)

Results show that low SES children have higher self concept scores. (CB)